Listening to this update would be very helpful to those who want to better understand the process involved regarding the land on Route 140. Listen on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Gardner MA Events and Clearing Up Confusion Regarding Route 140 Land and Processes
Ever since it was revealed that Suffolk Downs is interesting in bringing Horse Racing to Gardner, the Mayor’s office has received many calls, particularly because certain misinformation has been shared on Social Media. In this week’s update, Mayor Nicholson goes over events in the Chair City and then explains the process in an effort to Clear Up Confusion by presenting fact. Listen to the Update on any device. CLICK PLAY.
Events and Updates in the City of Gardner
| A lot of work in Downtown including at the Garbose Building, having a brand new roof and with new windows coming soon |
| Former Buffer Zone Building get new siding in next week or 2 |
| Centennial Anniversary Parade taking place on Sunday September 17, 2023 at 1pm with a performance by the UMass Marching Band later at Gardner High School |
| City received a $200,000 grant from the Commonwealth Compact program to extend fiber optic cable in Gardner. |
| Gardner Museum having its Craft Fair on Saturday August 12, 2023 from 10am to 4pm |
| Over 400 students participated in the Summer Camp this year |
Clearing Up Confusion Regarding Route 140 Zoning
Mayor Nicholson explained that the parcels in question can right now only be used for housing. The proposal is to switch the designation to commercial which is a long list of possible businesses in the City Zoning table. City Council recently voted to send the proposal to the Planning Board for an “initial recommendation.” Then, a joint public hearing will be held with the City Council and Planning Board, where residents can voice their opinions. After that hearing, the Planning Board will meet again and vote on its final recommendation. Then the City Council has 90 days to vote yes or no on the recommendations. Once it votes a second time, the decision goes into effect. The Mayor detailed other particulars including the number of councilors who must vote in the affirmative. Upon approval, the Mayor would request the City Council to set a minimum price for the land which is currently appraised at $4.3 million. Once the City Council approves a price, an announcement is setup on the City of Gardner requesting proposals. Just like the 7 properties sold by the City last year, interested parties would need to follow the “Request for Proposal” process where the technical proposal (what you want to do with the land) is actually considered and rated before the bid amount is considered. The technical proposal carries a higher weight than even the price bid. If a Horse Racing proposal is received, it is considered just like all other proposals.